High Performance Materials

High performance plastics work extremely well at elevated temperatures; have exceptional resistance to most organic compounds, a very low coefficient of friction and a high resistance to flammability. We regularly process the following materials as well as other fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers. Material choice is always based on a thorough understanding of the application and environment.

FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene)

• More transparent than PTFE  (not injection moldable)
• Better gas and vapor permeability properties than PTFE
• Maximum working temperature 400°F 

PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy)

• Higher continuous service temperature than FEP
• Maximum working temperature 500°F 

Both FEP and PFA have extraordinary chemical resistance. They are virtually impervious and while a relatively soft material, they are stiffer than PTFE. Due to low surface energies, nothing sticks to a fluoropolymer. Inert to enzyme and microbiological attack,PFA has superior dielectric properties, atmosphere aging and very low refractive indices.  

PEEK (Polyetheretherketone)

• Excellent friction and wear characteristics
• Extremely high tensile strength
• Maximum working temperature 500°F 
• Low moisture absorption
• FDA approved
• Meets UL94 V-0 requirements

Well suited for high temperature and wear applications, PEEK mechanical properties and a flexural modulus are among the highest of all plastic resins. Outstanding chemical resistance, even at elevated temperatures resists most common organic compounds and is not attacked by water or pressurized steam. Glass and carbon fillers can increase strength and thermal stability. Unfilled PEEK generates extremely low levels of smoke and toxic gas emission in fire situations. Because of its superior properties, PEEK is actively used in metal replacement applications.

• Excellent chemical resistance
• Good high temperature characteristics
• Precise tolerance control

An amorphous material with exceptional strength and rigidity under long term heat exposure, PEI has excellent impact strength, flame resistance and generates very low levels of smoke when burned. PEI also has excellent hydrolytic stability and is well suited for repeated steam sterilization. These properties are very useful for applications requiring tight tolerances and low warp.

• Low friction/wear
• High compressive strength
• Outstanding performance at elevated temperatures.

An early member of the high performance plastics family, PAI is a high strength, high temperature (500°F max) polymer that is injection molded and oven "cured" to produce a thermoset polymer with excellent bearing properties. PAI has the highest tensile strength of all non-filled, injection moldable materials. It should be noted that water absorption can be a concern and a 17 day post cure process is required. Use of this material requires special certification which we have obtained.

• Extremely high continuous heat  
• Excellent friction and wear
• Flame-retardant

Having one of the industry’s highest continuous use temperature rating for an unfilled thermoplastic material, Extem combines polyetheretherketone (PEEK) into its polyimide resin technology base. Combining the best features of both materials allows for lower-weight, high-temperature continuous use applications when replacing metals, ceramics and thermosets for optimized performance in harsh environment applications.